Work – life balance tops NW feel good poll

Having the right balance between work and life is the most fulfilling part of a job for workers in the North West, according to a survey published by Samaritans and Simplyhealth today. When asked to select their top two factors, 42% of workers felt that a good work / life balance helped them to feel good at work, compared with just 15% for hitting their targets.

The poll found that having a positive working relationship with colleagues was the second (40%) most common reason for feeling good at work, followed by receiving praise from their boss (23%). In contrast, 14% of people said nothing made them feel good at work, this was the highest of all regions, except Scotland (17%), and compared with only 4% in the South West.

The release of the survey coincides with Feel Good Friday, (1 February), Samaritans’ annual fundraising day. Sponsored by healthcare provider Simplyhealth for the second consecutive year, the day aims to get companies to take part in ‘feel good’ themed activities, in return for a donation to Samaritans, the helpline charity for people struggling to cope.

Rachel Kirby Rider, Samaritans’ Director for Fundraising and Communications said: “Samaritans understands the importance of looking out for each other’s wellbeing and having a good work / life balance so it is great to see this tops the poll among workers in the North West.

“Feel Good Friday is the perfect opportunity to take a little time out to have fun with your colleagues whilst raising vital funds to help Samaritans answer more calls from people going through a tough time. We really hope workplaces in the region get on board and help make our fundraising day a success.”

Mark Day, spokesperson for Simplyhealth comments: “Positive working relationships and feeling good whilst at work are really important when looking at overall employee health and wellbeing. Organisations with healthy, happy employees can find they see improvements in productivity and results.

“This is the second year that we have been involved in Feel Good Friday. The day is all about doing something fun and that makes you feel good. This year comedy is the main focus and we hope that everyone gets involved by organising their own event, to help to raise money for a great cause. Why not start by guessing the celebratory giggle on the Feel Good Friday website.”